Livestock exporter investigated over cruelty footage

The exporter currently under investigation for an animal cruelty breach says the incident reflects the challenges associated with the Australian ESCAS animal welfare system.

As part of the investigation, the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is reviewing footage aired on Israeli television which showed Australian sheep being mistreated while being unloaded at Eilat Harbour in Israel.

The vessel involved was the Bader III, operated by Livestock Shipping Services (LSS).

The video, now posted on social media, shows sheep being kicked, dragged and flogged by staff discharging the animals from the ship.

General Manager of LSS Gary Robinson says it is a blatant breach of the animal handling policies and procedures signed by the importer.

"The stevedores involved were arranged by the importing company which we have agreements with which underpin the whole ESCAS process.

"We'll instigate a training program to commence prior to and during the arrival of our next vessel."

"What we're seeing here and what we have seen in other markets is representative of the difficulties and challenges that we face in maintaining that standard right throughout the extensive supply chains that the live export market requires."

With a Federal election looming, Mr Robinson says having footage of animal cruelty in the public arena could put the live export industry under the cloud again.

"It is disturbing for anyone that sees it. There's no doubt that when footage comes out, it does put the industry in a negative light."